Creative Exploration in Handmade Papermaking:

Methods and Techniques:
All course material prepared in this coursework are reproduced with the kind permission of the author.

Introduction:
Unlike the touch and feel of industrially produced paper, handmade paper has the touch and feel of being handcrafted. Its look and raw feel, texture and economic cost of production has drawn interest amongst various users including artists / designers/ packaging experts for use in a variety of creative applications.

The art of making handmade paper by one’s own self offers immense creative possibilities in exploring a variety of easily accessible natural fibers from recyclable waste, plants, flowers, leaves etc. How is it made? What are the simple facilities required for making handmade paper? How is it produced in an inexpensive manner in the studio?  Can it be used in creating 3 dimensional sculptural forms?

This course work comprises of Detailed notes, video and photo documentation of Creative explorations in making handmade paper; Techniques and methods; Exhibits of students work and interview of the artist.

Aim:
This course has been developed for a person interested and self motivated in exploring the creative possibilities of understanding the art of handmade paper making in a simple ‘do-it yourself ‘ approach encouraging learning by doing. It presents the outcome of work of students of the Department of Design, IIT Guwahati who undertook a one week workshop under the guidance of Mr. Anupam Chakraborty, Director, Anupam Academy, Kolkata in December, 2011. It encourages analysis and discussions on the work done


Author - Mr. Anupam Chakraborty

It aims to help visual artists, designers, painters, potters, graphic designers, sculptors or product designers or anybody interested in the creative arts in understanding the techniques and methods of the art of handmade paper making.